Schumacher 'extra happy' to prove critics wrong

In a chaotic European Grand Prix, Schumacher grabbed a surprise third place behind winner Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari and Lotus' Kimi Raikkonen.

Not since the 2006 Chinese Grand Prix had Schumacher clambered on to the podium, but after three years in retirement and two and a half years of struggle with Mercedes, this felt especially sweet.

Michael Schumacher celebrates his third-place finish in Valencia. Pic/AFP

"I did not even think of getting on the podium for a second, so what a wonderful result," said Schumacher, who prior to Sunday had collected a miserable two points from the opening seven races.

"Finally it happened. After such a long time waiting I feel extra happy. That was the best answer to everybody doubting our work - get the car together, fight back and never give up as anything can happen.

"A big thank you to the team, to everybody who kept on believing we would get on the podium again. That's what team work is about."